obama will travel to israel. it will happen in the spring. the president will meet with israeli prime minister benjamin netanyahu. reportedly as early as march. the two leaders have had a rocky relationship. the white house says the trip will be an opportunity to reaffirm ties between the u.s. and israel. president obama will also visit the west bank and jordan. >>> the military is poised to extend some benefits to same- sex partners of gay servicemembers. u.s. officials say they are likely to include health and welfare programs as well as access to on base stores and services 16 months after the pentagon revealed the ban on openly gay servicemembers. an announcement is expected in the next few days. >>> britain is one step closer to legalizing gay marriage. a bill that would enable same- sex couples to get married in civil and religious ceremonies passed the house of commons today in a 400-175 vote. the bill must go through several more stages before it can become law. the church of england along with the conservative party are among the one